GRATA International in Chambers Asia-Pacific 2018

GRATA International performed exceptionally well in this year’s rankings as its Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan offices were ranked by Chambers Asia-Pacific 2018, confirming GRATA International's dominant position in Central Asia.

In December 2017 a new edition of the most authoritative international legal ranking - Chambers&Partners Asia-Pacific Guide 2018 has been published.

In Kyrgyzstan (Band 3), Tajikistan (Band 2) and Uzbekistan (Band 1) GRATA International is recommended for the General Business Law.

This year, Chambers&Partners Asia-Pacific Guide 2018 identified Bakhyt Tukulov and Shaimerden Chikanayev, GRATA International Partners, as one of the leading practitioners in Kazakhstan.

Bakhyt Tukulov is the Head of Dispute Resolution Department, whose team is known for dedicated litigation practice with a focus on arbitration, debt recovery, intellectual property and antimonopoly issues. This department acts regularly for international and domestic oil and gas corporates as well as players in the pharmaceutical and technology sectors and remains a popular choice for international law firms requiring domestic representation or Kazakh law advice in international arbitrations.

Chambers&Partners:

Practice head Bakhyt Tukulov enters the numerical rankings this year. Market sources consider him "highly capable and efficient" as well as "a very energetic, goal and client-oriented and motivated lawyer." He acts for international and domestic corporations in mid-market debt recovery, damages and employment disputes. He is recognised as "one of the rising stars" in the market by commentators who consider him "young, ambitious and dynamic."

The Banking and Finance Department lead by Shaimerden Chikanayev has been praised for its experience in banking and finance sector, as well as in handling various corporate/M&A issues. The department is also notable for its activity in the energy and natural resources sector, advising of prominent financial institutions as well as oil and gas corporations.

Chambers&Partners:

Shaimerden Chikanayev provides domestic law support to international financial institutions involved in local project financings. He is known in the market for his experience on PPP mandates. He assisted the EBRD with a number of high-value loan arrangements to prominent Kazakh banks.

The Energy and Natural Resources department regularly provides local law support to regional clients active in the oil and gas, mining and nuclear power industries. The department also acts as co-counsel alongside international law firms without a presence in Kazakhstan.

As one client explains: "Their incisive judgement has proved indispensable to us, which is why we trust them when it comes to making important decisions on complex matters."

Another source notes "the high quality of legal service, the accuracy and timeliness of the tasks assigned, as well as the excellent professional qualities of lawyers working in this field."

A robust firm, catering to a distinguished clientele of international corporates and financial institutions, regularly working in collaboration with overseas law firms. Specialises in advising on Kyrgyz law issues relating to inbound investments and cross-border project finance transactions. Additional areas of expertise include debt finance and corporate acquisitions.

Sources highlight the team's dependable advice, with one client saying: "They are very good at anticipating my concerns and providing information proactively. Very reliable and experienced, they provide a lot of confidence."

Tajikistan office of GRATA International is represented by Nurlan Kyshtobaev, Kanat Seidaliev and Elvira Maratova.

A respected group that advises an array of international law firms and financial institutions on Tajik law issues from its offices in Dushanbe and Bishkek. Routinely handles inbound investments and project financings as well as day-to-day advisory work. Its roster of clients also includes payment system operators and money transfer companies and a growing number of companies in the pharmaceutical sector.

A client praises the firm's work ethic and describes the team as having a "rigorous attitude and patience."

Another source adds that the firm "works well under time constraints."

GRATA International in Uzbekistan specialises in transactional work, assisting blue-chip international clients with corporate structuring, tax, employment and commercial matters. Also known for project financing and local law support, acting for international financial institutions and law firms as local counsel. Possesses additional expertise in matters related to the exploration, extraction and transportation of natural resources, as well as in the telecommunications and tax sectors.

One client appreciates the "very reliable and experienced" team, also appreciating the firm's regional capabilities: "It is comforting to know that there are high-quality professionals in a number of countries in the same region."

Another source highlights the team's "in-depth understanding of the local legal environment and practices and its network of contacts within other Uzbek organisations."

Chambers&Partners:

Bakhodir Jabborov assists international clients with local law, corporate governance and contractual issues as part of his broad corporate advisory practice. He is also a capable disputes lawyer who is known for acting for international clients in litigation with state authorities and domestic counter-parties. One client considers him an "excellent leader and good negotiator."

Nodir Yuldashev advises international corporate clients on local law aspects of cross-border projects, often collaborating with international law firms in the process. One client praises his "deep knowledge and strong practical experience in tax consulting."